Analytical performance review for a PV solar system based on SCADA data

Solar power technology is still in development and expected to be one of the main sources of green energy in the future, therefore the analysis of how the actual PV plants are performing is crucial to achieve the goal set. The main aim of this thesis is to estimate the energy losses due to operational problems for a 3MW PV plant located in Chile, by doing an analytical performance review based on SCADA data. It is done during an internship at DNV. Firstly, the fundamentals of the project are presented, a brief introduction to sun light, such as its components, how to measure it and reliable weather data sources; an overview of the parts concerning a large photo-voltaic power plant, playing special attention to the different levels within; the concept orientation, all definitions regardin its description and three different systems for module structures; and what and how the SCADA system works. Secondly, the required data and the methodology to achieve the estimate losses due to operational problems are explained, with examples for each step. Thirdly, the case of study is presented, a short technology review of the modules, trackers and inverter is done, followed by an operational review and finally the power curves are performed and the estimation energy losses due to operational issues are calculated. Lastly, the conclusions for this project are drawnObjectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::7 - Energia Assequible i No Contaminant::7.2 - Per a 2030, augmentar substancialment el percentatge d’energia renovable en el con­junt de fonts d’energi